APD SERIES: DISTRICT 6: MONTGOMERY COUNTY

About the Office

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking entry-level and experienced litigators for Assistant Public Defender positions in our District VI Montgomery County office. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. The Montgomery County office is a large suburban office with approximately 60+ employees providing client-centered representation to individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies.

MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. Our core values include a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy. We use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, standing up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity. We seek candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all clients.

About the Role

The positions require a range of experience from limited to moderate criminal trial experience to exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently managing an active caseload of district, felony, and specialty cases such as juvenile, civil non-support, and violation of probation. Attorneys work in a team-oriented environment with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff.

Attorneys must balance a client-centered approach with advocacy to address systemic inequity and collateral consequences. The position will be primarily located in the Rockville District Court office, though employees may be required to work out of the Silver Spring office. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

Locations

• District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County - Rockville
  191 E. Jefferson Street, Third Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
• District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County – Silver Spring
  8552 Second Avenue, First Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case, including investigatory stages, bail hearings, motions hearings, trial, and post-trial hearings.
• Conduct complex legal research and analysis regarding changes in laws, pending legislation, procedural rules, and court decisions in preparation for trial.
• Draft and prepare pleadings, memoranda, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
• Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Counsel and advise clients on factual and legal issues.
• Investigate clients’ cases and interface with investigators, social workers, forensic experts, and other professionals.
• Negotiate with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to resolve cases favorably for the client.
• Competently and independently manage a full caseload, including trial preparation, discovery review, and pretrial litigation.
• Seek professional development through training sessions and continuing legal education as required.
• Be available during and outside traditional business hours to support clients and colleagues as part of a dynamic legal team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the District Public Defender.

Pay

• Assistant Public Defender I – starting at $88,999.00 (Grade 20: Step 06)
• Assistant Public Defender II – starting at $98,840.00 (Grade 21: Step 08)
• Assistant Public Defender III – starting at $109,794.00 (Grade 22: Step 10)

Salary is dependent on experience and follows State of Maryland salary rules. This is a lateral transfer for any internal candidates applying.

Benefits

Please visit the State of Maryland Employee’s page to review benefit information.